2014 WORLD CUP SOCCER

COSTA RICA

vs. ENGLAND

England looks to head home with a victory Tuesday when they face a Costa Rica team that has already earned the right to play in the knockout rounds with two wins in Group D.

Costa Rica was considered to be the weakest team in Group D, but now they are the only team with a clinched spot in the Round of 16. Their defense has been the story with just one goal allowed in two games thus far. England will be heading home after a very disappointing 2014 World Cup outing, but first they will have a chance to at least win one game with a matchup with what is an underdog Costa Rica club.

Many dismissed Costa Rica’s 3-1 win over Uruguay. They saw it as a fluke and didn’t think they’d win another game in Group D play. Then Costa Rica squared off against Italy and proved that they were not pretenders. Despite losing time of possession with just 42% compared to Italy’s 58%, Costa Rica made the most of their chances. The teams were tied 6-6 in shots on goal, but only Costa Rica would capitalize on one of their shot opportunities. Bryan Ruiz scored what would be the game's only goal at the game’s 44-minute mark. Costa Rica can now shock the world with a win over England that would leave them undefeated in Group D play.

England played Italy in a tough opening match of the World Cup and they came away with a 2-1 loss. They headed into a matchup with Uruguay in a must-win situation, but they were unable to get the job done. After falling behind 1-0 on a goal by Luis Suarez at the 39-minute mark, England would tie up at 75 minutes on a goal by Wayne Rooney. The change in momentum, however, would not help England for long, as Suarez found the back of the net again at the 85-minute mark. A draw would’ve kept England alive, but instead they will be playing for only their pride when they take the field on Tuesday.